Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Only Works with Override Lever
Question:
I am not getting brakes to my trailer when stepping on the brake, the volt meter reads .4 volts when not on the brake and .33 volts when stepping on them. The manual switch is working fine and the brakes engage on the trailer but I cant see to figure out why the brake switch is not putting out power. I have changed the brake switch and double checked all my connections but I cant seem to figure it out.
asked by: Scott H
Expert Reply:
Is the brake controller a proportional brake controller? If so, then it is working fine and you should try testing it with a trailer. A proportional controller has to sense deceleration for it to activate trailer with the brake pedal. If it is a time-delayed controller it sounds like the brake controller itself isn't working properly based on what you described.
Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you severed. If the manual slide activates the trailer brake output wire properly, try the brake pedal. If the brake pedal activates the brake output properly also then the problem is farther back either in the vehicle wiring or on the trailer.
If either the brake pedal or the manual slide are not functioning properly you will need to test the wires going into the brake controller. Make sure you have power entering the brake controller on the black wire. On the red wire you will only want power when the brake pedal is pressed.
If there is power on the red wire before the brake pedal is pressed you have connected the red wire from the brake controller to the wrong circuit. You would then need to find the brake switch wire that has power ONLY when the brake pedal is activated.
If these connections check out and the brake controller is properly grounded then there is possibly a problem inside the brake controller.
I am including a link to a video that will show you how to test the wiring on a brake controller.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
ModuLite Installation Wiring Kit
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Power Wire Installation Kit
- Tekonsha
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